"Background: Gradual nucleariza-tion of the joint family, changes in the value system, migration of youth to urban areas for work and increasing participation of women in the workforce are important fac-tors responsible for the marginali-zation of older people. The old age homes, which were uncommon, have recently spread across the country, indicating the growing rift between the generations.
Method: The study assesses health status and examines types of health problems based on knowledge, awareness and perception of the inmatesÂ’ two old age homes in Va-dodara city. A total of 50 inmates from two old age homes were in-terviewed. The questions were so designed that they explore health status. The primary data thus gen-erated have been analyzed and presented in form of frequency dis-tribution table converted into per-centage
Result: It is observed from table that major health problems found among inmates are Blood pressure 54%; weakness 44% followed by pain/ tingling in lower limbs 38%, disturbed sleep 36%, and breath-lessness 32%, back pain and gastric problem. Thyroid, heart attack, ar-thritis and hysteria problem was observed in one-one respondent two inmates were suffering from paralysis. There were four diabetic. Two inmates had T.B in past.
Conclusion: It is observed that ma-jority of inmates were suffering from health problems associated with ageing. The elderly comprise a very important vulnerable group is ignored but needs urgent atten-tion.
"
Key words: Ageing, Population, Health, Health problems, Old age home
|